A simple stability test administered with a few firm stomps of a ski proved possibly life saving for French professional skier Victor Galuchot, who wisely paused for a moment to assess the snow conditions before beginning his descent.
Upon reflection, Victor was happy that he was conservative with his decision-making process that day and recognized that situational awareness and constant vigilance in the mountains are crucial to safety:
“One of the greatest qualities of the mountaineer is observation.” -Galuchot Victor
ENGLISH TRANSLATION TO VICTOR’S COMMENTS TO ABOVE VIDEO:
4 days ago, I decided that for all my outings from now on, I will find very safe climbs to reach the top on the lines. Do not expose myself to the climb and make fine corridors that I can purge from above before making the decision to ski or not. Here is the first lane I did after making this decision.
I find a solution to get around the problem because I don’t have the wisdom to stay home. The mountain does not want to let us pass. So we force the passage. And we are wrong. I think I am gauging it properly. But if a man who has climbed the Green 100 times gets tricked, who am I to think of managing?
One of the greatest qualities of the mountaineer is observation. There I think we saw enough to brake with both feet. Some will do the best lines of the year, others the last of their lives. I would like to ski again next spring and those after. I can’t tell you not to go. I myself will go. But I lower my gauge to the minimum.
Appreciate the mountains with lesser goals. The time that again, she agrees to let us pass. Happy skiing to all.
